Membranes in the enzymatic synthesis of biotensides from renewable sources

A novel integrated process of enzymatic synthesis of sugar fatty acid esters from renewable sources was proposed for the system oleic acid/ alpha-methylglucoside focussing on the application of different membrane techniques. The operational parameters were studied and optimised carrying out the reaction in an enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) where the catalyst remained retained by means of ultrafiltration. A pervaporation unit coupled to the EMR was applied for by-product removal (water). A proper product separation and isolation was achieved applying combined techniques including filtration, evaporation, extraction and alternatively stepwise elution chromatography or dialysis. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.